"WASTE!!!". Danzo shouted in anger, looking down on the Barrier Team that's standing looking on the floor like idiots. The jinchuriki almost got kidnapped or killed without anyone noticing! This is a HUGE security issue.
"How come you guys didn't notice!? Is this village some random downtrodden one that anyone can just come and go as they please?! Truly a waste!".
The shinobi there just remained silent. How they are supposed to know. They don't detect anything unusual to begin with…
It's Hiruzen's fault after all for leaving a way for Itachi to see his brother.
This episode is a small one as we get back to the main cast.
***
"Sasuke! Sakura! I am going now!". Naruto waves his hand towards the two. He's about to go on an adventure with Ero-sennin and Tsuyu! To find some beautiful lady in ero-sennin words. Naruto refused at first but thinking about having Jiraiya away and not being able to oversee and guide his training he reluctantly followed.
"Naruto! Don't cause trouble out there!", Sakura said teasingly.
"Hey hey I am well behaved! Blehh~", Naruto stuck his tongue out like a brat. Sasuke snorted, seeing Naruto as childish as ever.
As those trio leave, Sasuke is about to leave for the training field.
"Sasuke-kun…". Sakura suddenly spoke. Sasuke stopped in his tracks, turned a quick glance to wait for her response.
"Kurenai-sensei… you know, Kiba's sensei, agreed to teach me genjutsu. I will definitely try my best, Sasuke-kun". Sakura looks at Sasuke, hoping for a positive response, that he would believe in her.
A hint of appreciation flashed in Sasuke's eyes knowing Sakura is trying her best.
"As long as you can be helpful". His tone is not harsh or annoying, and only seems encouraging in Sakura's ears. Sasuke turned around and walked away.
Sakura smiled slightly, feeling fired up at learning anything and everything that could have helped her squad. WIth Kakashi in a coma, and the higher ups haven't assigned them a new squad leader they each train on their own.
Sasuke went to the training field and put down his heavy backpack. He takes out various objects - the long thick wires, creating a circuit connecting into resistors, fuse and a lightbulb.
From Tsuyu's intel gathering and her own ideas, she comes up with different stages of training for Sasuke. The first thing is to achieve stable current and control of lightning chakra over an extended period of time. Sasuke needs to control the amount of lightning chakra he produces so that its current doesn't go beyond the limit - beyond what the fuse could handle while maintaining the lightbulb brightness. Having the fuse break means he overdid it; the lightbulb not maintaining its brightness means he's not making enough lightning chakra.
After he mastered making stable current from his left hand, he would practice to produce it from his right. And then, with his entire body.
Once the perfect control of a small amount of lightning chakra is achieved - then he would begin stage two of the training to infuse this lightning chakra into his body cells and get used to it and make his body adapt. This stage requires a different amount of lightning chakra distribution between his nerves and the rest of his body. So it is divided into two sub stages - the nerves and the rest of the body.
In Tsuyu's theory, the nerves in the human body only produce a small amount of current by default, and increasing just slightly would already increase the reflex and senses by a lot and this part of the human body doesn't require that much lightning chakra. This is the part Sasuke had to be careful most when it comes to lightning chakra infusion as if it's too much it would cause his body to lose control.
The second substage focuses on the rest of the body tissue after Sasuke achieved perfect control over lightning chakra infusion of his nerves.
The third stage is simply application. To sync his perception and his body movement perfectly. Various training can be done on this part.
Then all the 3 stages are repeated after mastery at lower level to increase the amount of lightning chakra Sasuke can use safely.
Further progress would have Sasuke change the wires material, change the fuse limit, the light bulb and add resistors into the circuit to handle higher and higher stable current.
I will definitely create that jutsu…! I won't stay weak!
With his hands holding the wires and completing the circuit with his entire body, Sasuke began his practice. Zzz~ sparks of electricity move from his one hand through the wire, causing the lightbulb to shine bright, dimmed a little, then get brighter once more.
Sasuke's body is tingly slightly, but it's safe due to low amount of current and the resistors and fuse in place limiting how much Sasuke receives at the end. He realises just how difficult it is to continuously do a controlled lightning nature transformation. Chidori lets him go wild because the more the higher the penetrating ability. But for this training he needs to tame lightning, make it behave under a range!
His sharingan flashed, looking into his own chakra flow, seeing how each of his control made it weaker or stronger, fluctuating or becoming stable. Being able to see its fluctuation with his eyes makes his training far easier especially at this early stage with a small safe amount of current.
If the 1st Raikage in the pure lands saw this he would have coughed a mouthful of blood because back when he's trying to create the jutsu he endured torture and risk of being electrocuted. After all, he could only 'feel' if it's right or wrong - and using such a small amount of lightning chakra at first means it would be really difficult to feel to make good progress. Besides there's technology now and special resistors make sure Sasuke can see if he is outputting stable lightning chakra while being safe due to blocking how much lightning chakra flowing back into his body.
***
Hm~ hm~ du du~
Naruto was humming while walking very leisurely out of the village, a rubber ball in his hand as he casually tried to burst it with chakra. Tsuyu too is doing the same. But well…
Jiraiya turned to look at his back… tens of shadow clones of Tsuyu and Naruto were following them, all practicing the Rasengan. These brats really have a different brain-circuit… Jiraiya twitched his eyebrows seeing this situation. Every passerby avoided them and looked just as shocked.
"Ero-sennin! So where are we going exactly~".
"Hmm… let's see…", he take out a map, looking over the locations where Tsunade's sightings were seen from the info sent. Based on the trajectory, Tsunade should be moving in this direction…
"We will go to this Bamboo village first! I heard there's a unique cuisine where they bake rice in it".
"Uwa! That sounds delicious, let's go!".
The trio travelled for days, stopping at different villages and towns. Contrary to Naruto's leisurely stroll, Tsuyu takes note of Jiraiya's methods. His words when asking for information, his decision making, and also it seemed Jiraiya also used the black market channel.
So this is Konoha's top spy.
Tsuyu is impressed seeing Jiraiya working. While Naruto seemed to not realise each time Jiraiya is going to flirt with women he only did so for half an hour or so before being serious in his job.
She wished she could have followed Jiraiya closely for observation personally. Alas she can only send a shadow clone to observe since she had to babysit Naruto while Jiraiya is going into more risky places, even the red light districts. He wouldn't want Naruto to be tainted, she guessed.
After a few days, Jiraiya finally found key information from a gambling house. With some money, one of the frequent gamblers told him Tsunade is just here a week ago.
Following the trajectory and most probable place Tsunade would stay next… it's definitely the big town in the South!
As Jiraiya felt quite happy about everything, suddenly he saw a messenger bird in the air and it went straight to him.
Taking out the small piece of paper, his eyes widened, and then his expression solemn.
"Jiraiya-sama, what's the matter?". Tsuyu asked noticing his expression.
Jiraiya seemed to contemplate whether to tell Tsuyu or not. But then again she's in ANBU and would probably be involved a lot anyways.
"Kumogakure had sent their scouts at the border. They are making arrangements…".
Tsuyu snickered. Already? It's a pre-war preparation, scouting the lands and strategic positions, chokepoints, where to infiltrate, trap placements and so on.
But these Kumongrels are really shameless. They act so blatantly ignoring the relation between the two lands. On the surface there's still a treaty in place. At least they could have made a declaration first. Not saying anything and blatantly provoking shows how much they look down on Konoha.
"Hm.. hm? Kumogakure what?", Naruto seemed to overheard something.
"The enemy making arrangements for war, nii-san". Tsuyu makes it simple enough for Naruto to understand.
"... Why do we have to fight?", Naruto had a frowning expression on his face.
Jiraiya is about to say something, but Tsuyu cuts him to it.
"Greed. Selfishness. Those shameless hidden villages, the lords of the land and those people above wanted to take more from our motherland. But really, you cut your own arm to gain two from others. But there's always 3 from the very beginning, it's just the distribution being the difference. Unless it's a complete free surrender or a crushing defeat, it's such a waste".
Naruto was so confused at such a long statement. Jiraiya is surprised again at her insight.
Tsuyu had a smirk on her expression all of a sudden, almost weirding out Jiraiya. The plans laid down to weaken the other shinobi villages are set, fermenting until it blows up. Once the war starts, once the resources and funding start to move for these soldiers - the balance would break - those hidden traps would show it's symptoms. Tsuyu could see Konoha fighting a prolonged war this time as long as she is here.
She's aware she is the trump card Konoha had, and why she supported and even gave suggestions on Danzo's effort to play dirty. She wouldn't want to fairly fight all 3 hidden villages head on otherwise she would definitely die wouldn't she.
"... Tsuyu is right, Naruto. But, there's also one more thing. It's the cycle of hatred… They wanted this war, supported it. The Kages and the Daimyo's and lords of the land had a balanced relationship. Both parties agreed on this. Besides, Konoha had blood in their hands, killing their shinobi. In the name of vengeance, hatred, grudges, they are gladly fighting. Other hidden villages also had the same blood in their hands. It just never ends…", Jiraiya said solemnly.
"I don't get it…". Naruto muttered.
"If you want to become Hokage, you need to get it", Tsuyu said casually.
"Whatever! So complex! Everyone could have understood each other, why even fight…". Naruto looked down on the road, kicking a stone he passed by.
Tsuyu frowned. This brat hasn't got it despite how lengthy the words she had said. Did he think everyone out there is so forgiving? Nevermind. Once he's out there, he will understand.
"But you know, I believe there must be a way for this cycle to end…", Jiraiya for once spoke so softly.
"Here, this is my first book. The protagonist has the same name as you, Naruto! And his friend has the same name as your little sister! I wanted to believe in peace, and I guess, I created this book, creating some fantasy that someone could bring about the change, with hope in their heart…".
"Huh? Tale of the Gutsy Shinobi… woah… the protagonist really has my name!".
Tsuyu wonders if Naruto gets the hint. There's no way he didn't notice at all…
"My name… and Tsu-chan's name too… ero-sennin…", Naruto 's voice was low, his eyes had a different gleam and longing.
"Ah… that…", Jiraiya felt complicated. Did Naruto understand Jiraiya had a personal connection with his parents? Would he ask now? Oh no what do I answer…
"My late parents… must have liked your book…". Naruto arrived at a different conclusion. That still makes sense and there's a lot of cases like that but still…
Brother are you an idiot… Tsuyu sighed.
She gave Jiraiya a look. Jiraiya looked at her back. Oh… she's suspicious… Jiraiya had a bead of sweat rolling down the side of his face.
"I know". Tsuyu murmured.
Jiraiya felt his heart stop for a second. What did she mean? Does she know? Tsuyu reveals it since she wanted to consider Jiraiya's opinion on whether to tell Naruto or not. Tsuyu herself didn't care much about her status as children of Lord Fourth being a secret. Naruto, an entirely different problem. She believes Naruto would get over it anyways, but maybe it's not necessary at all to tell him as long as the secret is kept forever.
But it's kinda stupid that the secret can be kept for so long. Naruto's face and features are enough to directly connect him to Lord Fourth. Naruto himself never noticed because he had pre-assumption that no way children of the Hokage, a hero and a martyr too - would be treated like pieces of crap and thus Lord Fourth can never be his dad. The logic makes sense.
As they stopped in a small village before reaching the town where Tsunade most likely is, they camped and made a resting place of their own.
While Naruto is training his rasengan, Jiraiya pulls Tsuyu to the side silently. He wanted to say something, trying to make it natural.
"So Tsuyu… your name is also taken from my book! Hahah…".
Tsuyu looks at this old guy like he's an idiot.
"I know. Lord Fourth was my biological father. Kushina was my mother. Jiraiya-sama, you don't have to tiptoe around me regarding this matter".
"H-how did you…-".
"I have my own methods. Besides, my appearance and Naruto's resembles the late Fourth a lot…".
"Cough… yeah. That makes sense".
"... Um… you aren't mad?", Jiraiya asks carefully.
"I understand the underlying reasons. My late father had many enemies. The enemy of Konoha wouldn't want the second coming of Yellow Flash. Besides… even my mother's pregnancy is a village secret, and most people never knew this at all". Due to the weakness of the seal once the jinchuriki give birth, the entirety of the pregnancy is kept hidden. But this results in no one knowing Lord Fourth had children at all and the secrecy remained.
"Tsuyu… you… take it so well…". Jiraiya had a surprised and complicated expression on his face.
"I never knew them personally. They are strangers to me, even if we do have a blood relation". Or well, she knew them for a few hours before they were skewered to death.
"...", hearing such a response, Jiraiya felt his heart break for some reason. For their daughter to say they were strangers, even if it's technically true, but seeing she really doesn't care much hurts him somehow. He felt bad for Minato, for Kushina, and for Tsuyu too…
Tsuyu never received the love of her parents, and now she even says she doesn't care. It's almost heart breaking for Jiraiya.
"I do wonder where their inheritance goes. The village absorbed it and used it for their own isn't it". Tsuyu said lightly, more as a lighthearted joke.
Jiraiya rubbed the back of his neck. Huh, Tsuyu knows that too… He didn't know what to say at the moment.
After seconds of silence, Jiraiya finally continued.
"I understand you are not affected as Naruto did… you are mature, and you weren't treated badly since no one knows about the 9 tails inside of you…".
"But your brother, it's different…".
"I know. I want to ask your opinion, if Naruto should know".
"This…". Jiraiya takes a deep breath. He's not really sure.
"If you would want to tell him… it's not my place to stop you. He is your brother. His family. If there's anyone who should tell him, it's you…".
You are passing this baggage to me!? Tsuyu's expression twitched. This sannin is unreliable, and she noticed Jiraiya is avoiding answering it. It's clear neither of them is ready to become the fuse that would trigger Naruto.
Tsuyu believed Naruto would definitely crash out once he knew. But she also believes Naruto would move on and remain the same or stronger internally. So it's just a matter of time and place.
Tsuyu decides that she will think about this later once they get to Tsunade and bring her back…
***
Meanwhile-
"It's been a long time, Orochimaru…", Tsunade squinted his eyes, looking at this old snake 'friend' of hers.
"I have looked for you everywhere…", Orochimaru said with a hoarse voice. His already pale face is visibly paler. The way he speaks sounds like he was sick.
"And what do you want from me? I am sure you don't want to just talk about the old days". Tsunade said calmly, her eyes scanning him up and down.
"I have a favor to ask you…".
"You should understand by now, Tsunade-sama. We are willing to make a trade". Kabuto raises his glasses, adding a sentence.
Tsunade looks around, feeling 4 other presences surrounding her. Those are the sound 4. During the Konoha Crush, they survived and retreated with Orochimaru.
"Bringing your subordinates to surround me, I thought you had bad intentions".
"Hnhn… those are my guards, they are just protective… don't mind them. They are no match for you".
"What if I refuse…?", Tsunade takes a more offensive posture, as if ready to punch him.
***